(COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) – The Board of Directors of USA Boxing, Inc., the national governing body for Olympic-style boxing in the United States, is in support of Senator John McCain and Congressman Peter King’s efforts to pardon Jack Johnson. The Board recognizes the Senate and House of Representatives resolutions as a strong statement on behalf of the Johnson’s family and the sport of boxing..
In addition, USA Boxing’s Board joins Senator McCain and Senator King and the millions of Johnson supporters across the country and the world in encouraging President Obama to right the wrong that Johnson suffered nearly 100 years ago.
“This pardon will help close the chapter in the disturbing racial conflict surrounding the first Black Heavyweight Champion, and rightfully allow our boxing community to rejoice in his accomplishments.” stated Reno, Nevada resident Michael Martino, the Interim Executive of USA Boxing.
Johnson was convicted of violating the Mann Act in 1913, which prohibited transporting women across state lines for “immoral purposes.” While Johnson died in a car accident in 1946, many supporters, including McCain, a former amateur boxer, and King, have fought tirelessly to have the boxer pardoned posthumously.
July 4, 2010 will mark the 100th anniversary of the “Fight of the Century’ that took place in Reno, Nevada. USA Boxing is a co-sponsor of a three-day event July 2-4, 2010, in Reno, Nevada that will commemorate this historical fight. A museum and multi-media project, “Fighting for the Soul of America” are in production at this time. The potential pardon by President Obama will be another great reason to celebrate the accomplishments of this individual. In addition, a silent auction benefitting USA Boxing, Inc., on Friday night will be held in conjunction with the event.
USA Boxing, as the national governing body for Olympic-style boxing, is the United States’ member organization of the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) and a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). It is responsible for the selection and management of the United States Olympic Boxing Team, and for the governance and oversight of USA Boxing’s national organization of 38,000 members, 1,400 individual boxing clubs, and 1,600 sanctioned events annually.